Looking at new notebooks

Since my trusty 1GHz Compaq Armada E500 notebook blew the power socket I've been having notebook withdrawl. I've used a couple of old notebooks from work, but they've been underachievers compared to my E500. It's time for some forward thinking, a new notebook.

I had a few requirements for the notebook, the formost of which was that the notebook had to be truly portable since I do a lot of walking. I wanted 3D support as well so those GL games would be supported. I didn't need 1600x1200, but figured that 1280x1024 might be important for future applications and some of the graphics work I do.

Basically I've broken the candidates down to:

• IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad X60


• Dell XPS M1210


• Sony VGN-SZ140 CTO - no link but you can find it on Sony.ca

I discounted a number of manufacturers (HP/Toshiba) because their 12" offerings were difficult to find. Sony had a lot of 12" or less notebooks, but most seemed overpriced for the same functionality of other notebooks.

I like the trackpoint on the Lenovo, it's a big plus; I've always disliked touchpads, they get oily and I feel more precise with the trackpoint.

The Dell offers quite a bit of value for the price.

Sony, is Sony. Their notebooks have always been pretty slick, but the VGN-SZ140 CTO lacks a lot the other two notebooks have.

I'm leaning towards the Lenovo, but there's been a lot of chatter lately about Lenovo not supporting Linux. IBM, however, has been comitting to Linux in a pretty big way the last while. I'll update the web log if I get a chance to try out some live CDs on these books.